Your local law enforcement officers are dedicated to keeping people safe, but the sad truth is that after the fact, all they can do is investigate and try to bring the bad guys to some kind of justice. In short, prevention is the responsibility of each individual and it starts with being informed.

A recent study of assaults in metropolitan and urban areas revealed that more women are abducted from or attacked in is the grocery store parking lot. Think about it. You usually have to juggle your purse, keys, cell phone, grocery cart and bags after bag of purchases. Paul Bunyan could walk right up to most women before they would even notice his blue ox, Babe.

What can you do? Stow your money while in the grocery store. Get your keys out and ready. If you have a self defense weapon, make sure you have it close to hand. Pay attention to everyone and everything around you when you leave the building and head for the vehicle. If you see something suspicious, go right back inside. Tell someone what you have seen and ask for an escort to your car – preferably a big male.

Check out the vehicle. If it’s a van, take a peek underneath to see if someone’s feet or shadow might be visible. Look inside the vehicle, including in the back seat. If you see anything questionable, go back inside and get help.

Once you load the car and get in, lock the doors, start the engine, and drive away. Don’t sit there chatting on the phone, checking your makeup and hair. The longer you stay in the parking lot, the more vulnerable you are. Leave. Immediately.